On this page we can
give qualified technicians
help WHERE to run tests.

All pictures shown are based on the
popular R574/6 Balboa system below

but principles are applicable to most
spas.

TESTING INCOMING POWER

Test
Power to Spa:

Incoming
115v Units:

Meter set to AC, probe is
testing for 110-120vac at
the Black HOT and the
Neutral

If 110-115 not present, your
incoming power is at fault.

Incoming
220-240vac Units

Meter set to AC 250+Volts is
testing Hot Black and Red.
Readout should be
220-240vac.

If -0-, your incoming power
is faulty. Contact
electrician. If
correct, proper incoming
voltage. Go to next step.

Same meter setting as above,
test NEU and Red Hot (shown)
and NEU and Black Hot.

Both readings should be
110-120vac. If either is
not, one or both legs of
incoming power has failed.
Contact your electrician. If
Both test are good, your
incoming power is good.

Lastly, check Neutral to
Ground.

Should have very low or no
voltage. If higher voltage
present, likely failed GFCI
breaker.

Test
Power to Heater:

With power on and NO error
codes, carefully place
probes on heater posts OR
attached wires. Have your
meter set to 115v or 230v,
whichever is your incoming
power to the spa.

If correct current IS
present, go to next step. If
-0- voltage, current is not
being applied to your spa
heater.
If no error is indicated by
the topside why its not
applying current as a Flow
Error or Sensor Error then
the board has failed.
Replace.

Turn OFF power to the spa.
Set voltmeter to OHMS. Place
the probes at same location
on heater as previous test
with POWER OFF.

Your heater should read
10-15 ohm resistance. If out
of range or -0-, replace
heater or element.

Test
Temperature or High Limit/OH
Sensors:

Sensor ends come in 2 common
styles: Box End (top) and
Curled Finger End (bottom,
most common).

Sensor ends exposed.

Either of these ends are
connected into a connector
like this one

This is a "curled finger"
connector. Some
connector/harnesses combine
sensors and other wires to
the board.

Typically there are 2 ways
to test a sensor with a
volt/ohmmeter. One is to
devise a method to making
your probe end small enough
to touch the wires as shown
OR... more common, release
the sensor from the
connector.

Shown: using an open metal
paperclip, pushing on the
"window" will compress the
metal connector allowing the
wire to slide out of the
connector. You can also use
a pushpin.

Turn OFF power to the spa.
Set voltmeter to OHMS. Place
the probes at same location
on heater as previous test
with POWER OFF.

Easy way to check your
sensor is comparing the
temperature sensor with the
OH sensor. They should be
very close in reading. Also
see reading charts located
on the sensor page of your
spa on this site.

Testing a Fuse

Turn off main power to spa.
Set meter to OHMS. Place one
probe on each end of each
fuse. Do NOT go by view of
the fuse; use your meter.